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HELLO!  Thank God for helpful friends, and for techie grandsons!  Curtis called me, we got set up so he could take control of this computer, and he got me fixed up.  Really, I just had one small typo in my login, and that was my bad.  But he got some other things changed for me.  So here I am at last.  Whew, what a steep learning curve this is.  Going to such a flat configuration keyboard, plus using finger mouse,  plus all the other changes from desktop, and trying to learn them under a very high  stress situation.....well, anyhow.  You get the picture.

Larry, you're the best!  What a kind and encouraging man you are, and a dear friend.  I surely hope to meet you and your Pat one of these days before too long.  Thanks so much.

And all the rest of you dear, dear friends here and in Seniors and Friends, how you have touched my heart with all of your messages to Beth and me.  They don't bring them up on weekends, but weekdays we usually get several, and they are such a day brightener.  Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

Beth was so bad yeaterday afternoon, I was really scared.  I stayed here with her until midnight, then went back to the Rondald McDonald house, showered, washed my hair, took an Ambien to help me sleep, and crashed.  She seems better today; much more alert, anyway.  Still so very far to go, though.  When they changed the dressing on her open wound (it is HUGE!) about two or three cups of stool (bowel contents) came flooding out!  Oh, my!  And nothing has drained out through the colostomy tube for days and days now.  I just don't understand why it is coming out through the wound and NOT through the tube, so am going to try to catch one of the surgeons tomorrow and get an explanation.

Beth is in constant pain, and has many other problems.  I did want to clarify, though, that all of this has nothing to do with her having neurofibromatosis!  It is all because when she had that gall bladder surgery in April, the doctor perforated her colon; then didn't pay attention when she said she was getting worse and worse.  And then put off going to the care home to see about her until it was almost too late.  And even then, it was the other doctor who went.

Question:  How do you feel about a Christian suing a doctor for something like this?  Some of my family think we shoud sue; I really hesitate to become embroiled in something like that.  Suggestions?  Feelings?  Comments?  Help me look at the situation  rationally, please.  I know I am much too close to it to think really clearly.

Boy, it sure is nice to be back "home" here with you folks!  I was getting homesick in more ways than one.  I will feel much less lonely now.  And I even figured out how to use the hospital's internet cxonnection and not have to use my Verizon card.

Janet, welcome back.  That was such a good idea to have your grandson take control of your computer like that and get it setup for you.  So glad to hear that Beth isn't as low as yesterday.  It seems that ultimately bringing a law suit against this doctor might save some other person from experiencing the terrible ordeal his negligence is putting Beth through. 

Etta Sue, thanks for the devotional for this week.

Let's see if I can go blue?  

Pat, what new is there from London about Rachael today?  You and the family have been on my mind.  The graduation ceremony was so special, glad she could have that.  Thank you for taking time to help me, even in the midst of such a sad time for your family.  You know I love you.

I will ask Darrel to call Alltel and inquire about buying more minutes for the cell phones.  This is the first time we have even come close to using our available minutes!  But what a blessing cell phones are in so many situations.

Beth had a pretty sleepless night, the nurse said, so she is sleeping now.  We have a wonderful nurse this weekend.  In this Burn Care ICU, there are only two patients per nurse, but this is far a away the best one we have had.  Ad she told me today that her 35 year old husband in up on the 8th floor, being treated for stage 3 colon cancer, with an ileostomy that hasn't been very successful.  They have three very young children, too.  I told her I'm so sorry and she said,"It really isn't about us.  It's about loving and enjoying each other for whatever time God gives us."  What a great attitude.  She (her name is Jennifer) is a beautiful person, inside and out.  Thank God for kind, caring, compassionate nurses!  And this afternoon, she even sent an order to the kitchen to bring me food trays as Beth's mom.  She said that is part of it, that I'm here halping take care of Beth, I need to eat, and shouldn't have to go to the cafeteria and buy food.  God is so good.

Sorry to be so long-winded, but I've missed you guys!   [/color]

Janet, I made it!  Thanks for your help!  And since you asked the question about making that doctor answer for his neglect.... if you have the strength to go through with it, you may save other lives.  When my mother had a pacemaker put in the doctor punctured her lung causing it to deflate.  From the next two months it was one problem after another, of doctor and nurse neglect and ignoring what all of us tried to explain to them about her long time health problems. Her old doctor retired, the new doctor didn't know her history but insisted a pacemaker would improve her quality of life, and the surgeon was incompetent!  Too long to explain here, but my sister insisted that our father couldn't stand finding out she died from "mistakes".  My question to her was, "how many more will die from their mistakes if they aren't made accountable?"  My opinion is do what you & your family (including Beth) can cope with. 

I'm so relieved tonight that Beth had a better day and that you got your new laptop up & running.  Have a peaceful sleep tonight.  God Bless!

Janet, it's so good to read your post.  And I love seeing your OWN blue type.  

Janet, I thought this was all from her neurofibromatosis.  Bless her heart.  She has so much to deal with and now this. I know I'd be angry and defending my daughter. I get upset when something like this happens and it's from negligence on the surgeon's part.  If they'd only listened to Beth.  If they'd kept better after care.  So many ifs that could have been addressed.  This was not just "one of those tragic mistakes".  It might have been if he'd taken responsibility and acted accordingly.  Did he apologize?  Admit what happened?  Or did he leave it for someone else to deal with?

That's just human nature to feel like this.  I guess you'll know more as you go on, and pray about it too.  As Larry said, if he is incompetent. he should be exposed so this won't happen again.   Maybe a lawyer could find out if he's had complaints, his record, etc.  Decide what to do later.  I know it's all about Beth now.

You can be as long winded as you want!!!  As I said, it's just so good to see you here.

edit:  Hi, TISIE!!

Hey, hey, hey .... There's Janet in blue and Tisie too!!! 

Bet y'all didn't know I'm a poet, nope, I know you didn't know it!

It's soooo good to see you here again, Janet ... and great to see that Tisie made an appearance, once again, as well.   

Janet, I guess you will eventually do exactly as you feel best ... but only after prayer and consultation with the family.  People here have given their best advice, as well .... Yup, I believe the incompetency needs to be exposed ... But you don't have to deal with that now.  Just get some rest whenever possible and know you and Beth are in our prayers continually.   

Janet -  it really is good to see your blue post again!  I'm always willing to share my  opinions.  That's obvous.  Anyway, here goes.  I agree with the others that the doctor's incompetence  needs to be exposed and hopefully corrected.  However, there is more to it than that.  The very reason we have the privilege of bringing suit is to compensate  for the cost  that's been laid upon us by what the other person has done.  It isn't fair that we should bear that burden.  The burden in your case is the awful harm that has (or could have) come to Beth.  That cost is  huge.  I do not feel it to  be  wrong to force some fairness here.  That incompetent doctor needs to  pay, not only to expose his incompetence, but to  compensate (in really  only a small way) for the cost  to  you and Beth - a cost that includes emotional distress in an extreme.  I think it would be wrong to "lay it on him" beyond a  reasonable amount, but still it is only fair for him to  pay in  this case up to at least some relatively reasonable level.  It's wrong when the suit demands so much that it  is obvious that you are only attempting to enrich yourself, but it is not wrong to demand  some fair degree of compensation.  I can't tell you how much that is.  I think prayer and counsel from fellow believers can do that,  though I know  it is difficult.  As others have said, it partly depends  upon your emotional ability to undergo the tension  that comes  with these things.  However, be aware that the  doctor  will likely be advised to settle out of court if the amount isn't beyond reason.

Hey, now THAT'S some good advice, Al ...    I agree! 

BLUE is the word for the way that I feel, as the old western song says.....I have just been told there is a stong liklihood I will be asked to make other housing arrangements.  This Ronald McDonald house has had families of two adult patients staying here, and the others have already been told they will have to leave.  I'm  asking for FERVENT PRAYER that I won't have to leave.  I am alone and on foot, and this place is such a blessing to me, a place to unwind a little from the stress of long hours watching poor Beth suffer.  So please pray with me that NO MORE children/babies get sick, and no more premature babies are brought to Wichita!

I'm trying not to worry, but this is a big concern!  Thanks.

Hi, Shirley/Tisie (with a l-o-o-o-ng i!)  Glad you made it in, and thanks again for the delicious cookies!  (((hugs)))

Janet:  You are receiving such good advise and now I pray that your sleeping quarters will remain as is.

So many have family members that are very very sick and now I am adding my brother Allan as he is and has been in the Burlington Hospital since last Tuesday with shortness of breath, he has a lung and heart spec. doing tests and trying to figure things out. He is being brave but is very concerned as well.  This problem had been coming very slowly but then it laid him low so to speak.  Yes he does know the Lord as his personal friend and saviour.

The evening is coming to a close so better think about shutting down.

Hi, friends,

Tisie and Janet, so GREAT to see you both! Tisie, thank you for being nearby to comfort Janet with love and hugs and prayer.

Janet, of course, we will be praying about your need for being close to Beth. Oh, how I hope you will be provided for!

Did I notice this is Jeanne Lee's birthday??

Y'all have a great rest of the day.

Much love to everyone.

Ruth Ann

Janet ~ How great you have a grandson that helped you with your laptop.  And I totally agree with Al with his counseling to you! 

Today Ivalou and I are taking our SIL to the Surgery Center to get a steroid shot in her back.  I need to drop off a CD at the church and maybe stop off at the golf course on the way back to see if they will donate some green fees to our silent auction at our church picnic June 28th. 

That's it for today....gotta rush!! 

Janet, I'm so glad to see you're getting used to the laptop - as Etta Sue said, it's great that you grandson could help.

I'm praying, too, for you to be able to stay at Ronald McDonald House, as well as for Beth's improvement and your strength in the Lord.

Ruth Ann, yes - yesterday was my birthday.  I can't believe it's #77!!! 

Etta Sue, you have to be one of the busiest ladies I know.  Do you ever slow down?    

Hello Everyone!

It's lovely to see you in here, Tisie!

Janet, I'm so happy you got on here.

I'll go and delete the other "Janet 1" registration.

We'll chat soon too about the caring bridge site for Beth.

Janet - one other thing you very much need at this time is a Christian lawyer.  You might  be able to find one through a local church in Witchita.  If you know any of the  local churches, you  could call the pastor and ask  who might be there.  Without a lawyer you'd have a hard time getting things started, carrying them through.  You'd probably get good advice if the lawyer was truly committed to our Lord.

By the way, Janet, I'm sure you're aware of it already, but the only Scriptural admonitions relative to bringing suit, goin to court, etc. is to cases between brethren, not to public cases that don't concern brothers & sisters.  I would assume, therefore, that such admonitions do not apply in your  case.  If the doctor in view were a Christian, he should already have apologized and offered compensatory help.  If he is not a Christian, however, then you can indeed love him, pray for him, and admonish him.  But, when all that's said and done, you can also sue him - reasonably.

Hi everyone.  Just back from coffee at McDonald's, walking at the gym, going to Krogers and then stopping at the Post Office to mail a package.  In about 90 minutes I will leave again to go to my men's Monday luncheon, which is always most enjoyable.  Pat won't have to cook for me tonight, although she reminded me she has to eat.    Where we are going today is called the Green Tomatoe and it is a very reasonable buffet.  We have been there several times before.

Pat went to the chiropractor and then has gone to another grocery store for some items.  We will both be ready for a quiet afternoon and evening.  There is a good chance we will have rain showers later that afternoon, but this morning is beautiful.

Janet, glad to see that perhaps I wasn't in left field with my comments on a subsequent case.  Our daughter has just received a settlement on a workmen's comp case that has been underway for 2 years and the settlement was for subsequent medical expenses since she had some irrepairable damage to her back at her job.  I thought Al's advice as to how to seek out a Christian lawyer was very sound. 

Janet, just a thought regarding your potential need for other housing.  Perhaps your pastor could contact a pastor of your church in Withita and he would know of someone who would like to help you.  Very often people want to help but don't know of the need. 

Tisie, nice to see you posting and welcome to CP.  We are always happy to have folks join us here in our daily conversations. 

Etta Sue, when I first read your posting I thought maybe you were taking up golf.    Hope the golf club is generous with their contribution for your cause.

Ruth, I hope the doctors soon diagnose the problems your brother is experiencing.  It certainly sounds like classic heart related problems but I am no doctor.  I do have a lot of experience living with a bad heart and there are wonderful helps in the area in medication, pacemakers, etc. if this is the cause.

OK I am back posting.  It has been a busy weekend with John testing potential drivers for the company he works for and taking the girls swimming.  We had little time with John  so cherished every moment.

Janet Larry and Al have given good advise. 

We have lovely weather today, and the seed we planted is sprouting.  Looks like a good yield this year.

Must run, I have to go for blood tests today in preparation for a Dr's. appt. on Wednesday.

Ruth I have added your brother to my list to be prayed for, also you and Mel.

Have a good day.

Hi from sunny Vancouver Island!

Janet, it is good to see you posting!  Even tho' I am not inclinded to expound on the subject, you and Beth are in my prayers.  I have always found Al's advice to be sound and agree with his comments.  One can not even imagine the stress you are in and later would be the time to make a decision.....

Larry, I use both Advance Care and now also Auslogics on my computer.  Found Advance Care is good but Auslogics cleans up what it leaves behind.  Also, have used Sony Wireless Headphones for listening to my TV as deaf in my left ear, due to the years working with large computers, before we finally got quiet ones and could use headsets to block the noise.  Have had the Sony for over five years and only last month finally had to replace the battery.  They are great.

Must leave to go Carpet Bowling.  Hope the air conditioning is not turned too high this time.  Makes me sneeze!

Pleasant Day/Evening and God Bless.

Liz

Hi Liz...

I'm still intrigued with the "carpet bowling".  I've never heard of it anywhere around here.


Well, the family are gathered around Rachael's bedside.  So, I'm sure that we'll hear soon that she has passed away.

Maybe students have been looking at the graduation photos here:
http://rachaelsjourney.photography-cafe.com/  (Click on "Rachael's Graduation")

 The sun is shinning and the construction is proceeding on our street, lots of bumps, holes and yes noise. We also have a meeting about all of this this evening at least we will be more in the know of what to expect.
I did a load of laundry this morning and now after having a snack I will be going down stairs to cut out a couple of patterns for some sewing.

Oh yes I planted more beans and Mel has put a cage over them - protection from the bunnies.

Allan was to have the scope inserted down his throat so when we hear from him I expect we will be more in the know.

Happy Birthday to all who are celebrating.

Hello, everyone.  I'm having a rough day--getting conflicting reports from surgeons.  One even said it's time to "think about placement!"    she is in no shape to be moved anywhere, and where would she go??  The wound looks so awful, and with the stool still pouring out of it.  The surgeon said, when I asked him point-blank why nothing is coming out the tube, "because it's blocked."  I had been telling them it was blocked for about five days now, and they kept saying it wasn't.  Guess what they use to flush it?  SPRITE!!  I am not kidding you.

I am so weary I can barely hold myhead up, so I am going to her room and try to take a nap in the recliner.  Talk to you later.   ]/color]

Janet, what email address are you using while you're at the hospital?

 Janet:  All I can say is that is so terrible.  I am praying for the situation

Allan called saying the test had been done, something he did not enjoy but now we must wait for the results.   

Hi, friends,

May God be with you and Beth, Janet. What trying times! Have you learned any more about your accommodations?

I can't see how they can force Beth to move right now in her situation. Ohhh, goodness!

I'll be praying as I rest this evening.

Pat, here's what I found in the online Encarta encyclopedia:

carpet bowling
 
car·pet bowl·ing

noun 

Definition:
 
Indoor game similar to lawn bowling: a game that resembles lawn bowling, played indoors with round or slightly asymmetric balls




Ruth Ann

Well, I still have a room at R. McD for tonight and Tuesday, at least.  Thank you, Jesus!

Pat, I got a gmail account, and also am getting email from my home account janet@pld.com .  The gmail one is janitadamon@gmail.com .

Now I am going to bed and try to sleep for a few hours.  What a weary day this has been.

Thanks, friends, for caring.  Oh!  Darrel got us added minutes (increased it to 900) until further notice.  So if anyone wants to call, please do.  Pat, Larry, Etta Sue, and I think Ruth Ann all have my number.

Rachael passed away today.

Pat, I'm so sorry.  I'm so glad that all of her family could gather around her.

Janet, I'm praying for you and for Beth tonight.  I don't have words for what is happening to her.